Bilateral leg swelling: Difference between revisions
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==Management== | ==Management== | ||
*Treatment is based on addressing underlying disease process | *Treatment is based on addressing underlying disease process | ||
*Idiopathic edema is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other disease process, including heart failure, cirrhosis, acute renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, chronic venous insufficiency, and medication induced edema must first be considered.<ref>Kay A, Davis CL. | *Idiopathic edema is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other disease process, including heart failure, cirrhosis, acute renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, chronic venous insufficiency, and medication induced edema must first be considered.<ref>Kay A, Davis CL. Idiopathic Edema. American Journal of Kidney Disease. 1999; 34(3): 405-408.</ref> | ||
**Idiopathic pedal edema need not to be treated with diuretics | **Idiopathic pedal edema need not to be treated with diuretics | ||
Revision as of 16:51, 19 August 2017
Background
- Definition: existence of the excess fluid in the lower extremity resulting in swelling of the feet and extending upward
- Further classified as pitting (depress-able) and non-pitting
Causes
- Increased hydrostatic pressure
- Decreased oncotic pressure
- Increased capillary permeability
- Lymphatic obstruction
Clinical Features
- Pedal edema
Differential Diagnosis
- Gravitational
- Venous insufufficiency/thrombophlebitis
- Drugs
- CHF
- Lymphedema
- Pretibial myxedema
- Renal failure
- Liver failure
- DVT
Evaluation
Management
- Treatment is based on addressing underlying disease process
- Idiopathic edema is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other disease process, including heart failure, cirrhosis, acute renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, chronic venous insufficiency, and medication induced edema must first be considered.[1]
- Idiopathic pedal edema need not to be treated with diuretics
Disposition
- If no respiratory symptoms, most patients may be safely discharged home
- Patients should be followed up in medical clinic for further investigation and care
See Also
External Links
- ↑ Kay A, Davis CL. Idiopathic Edema. American Journal of Kidney Disease. 1999; 34(3): 405-408.